Game Device For Converting A Container Into A Wirelessly Connected Game Figure

ABSTRACT

A game device for converting a container into a game figure to simulate an interactive game includes a container cover, a sensor, and a transmitter. The container cover is removably attached to the container and has the shape of the game figure. The sensor is disposed relative to the container cover and is configured to (i) detect interaction of a game object with at least one of the container and the container cover and (ii) generate a signal in response to the detection. The transmitter is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, and to wirelessly transmit the signal to at least one sensory feedback device to provide sensory feedback to a user. A game system includes the game device, a wirelessly connected sensory feedback device, a computer, and software executing on the computer.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to games, and more particularly relates to a game device for converting a container into a wirelessly connected game figure.

BACKGROUND

In the field of games and entertainment, there are many different known devices for converting objects into games. These games are often implemented as bean bag toss or basketball games and can include balls, bean bags, or other objects for a user to toss into an opening. The opening can be defined a ring, pocket, bucket, an open-top container, or any other passage or opening through which an object can pass. The game devices can have means to detect when an object passes through an opening and give audio, tactile, and visual feedback as to when an object passes through an opening in the game. Speakers, lights, screens, projectors, and actuators that are built into the game device are often used to provide this feedback to users. However, users are expecting increasingly more immersive experiences with their devices and games. Because of this, there is a need for more interconnectivity between the devices and games. Aspects of the present invention are directed to these and other problems.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present invention, a game device for converting a container into a game figure to simulate an interactive game includes a container cover, a sensor, and a transmitter. The container cover is removably attached to the container and has the shape of the game figure. The sensor is disposed relative to the container cover and is configured to (i) detect interaction of a game object with at least one of the container and the container cover and (ii) generate a signal in response to the detection. The transmitter is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, and to wirelessly transmit the signal to at least one sensory feedback device to provide sensory feedback to a user.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a game system includes a game device, a sensory feedback device, a computer, and software executing on the computer. The game device converts a container into a game figure to simulate an interactive game, and includes a container cover, a sensor, and a transmitter. The container cover is removably attached to the container and has the shape of the game figure. The sensor is disposed relative to the container cover and is configured to (i) detect interaction of a game object with at least one of the container and the container cover and (ii) generate a signal in response to the detection. The transmitter is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, and to wirelessly transmit the signal to at least one sensory feedback device to provide sensory feedback to a user. The sensory feedback device is configured to receive the signal from the transmitter, and to convert the signal into a sensory stimulus that provides feedback to a user. The computer is in communication with the sensory feedback device and configured to receive the signal from the transmitter. Software executing on the computer receives the signal from the transmitter and sends a command to the sensory feedback device to change a setting thereof.

In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above, further aspects of the present invention can include one or more of the following features, individually or in combination:

the sensor generates the signal in response to at least one of a motion and a force caused by the user;

the sensor is configured to detect a proximity of the game object relative to the container cover;

the game object includes an identifier, and the sensor is configured to detect a proximity of the identifier relative to the container cover;

the identifier is an RFID tag;

the game object is a ball;

the transmitter transmits the signal received from the sensor according to Bluetooth protocol;

the container cover includes a headboard and at least one wrap;

the at least one wrap includes (i) an upper appendage wrap representing arms of the game figure and (ii) a lower appendage wrap representing legs of the game figure;

the sensory feedback device is an audio speaker;

the sensory feedback device is connectable with the game device via Bluetooth;

the computer is a smartphone or tablet wirelessly connected to the game device to permit data communication therebetween, and the computer is configured to run an application that provides a user interface for data communication with the game device;

the sensory feedback device is an audio speaker of the computer;

the game device is a first game device and the game system further comprises at least one second game device;

the first game device is wirelessly connected with the at least one second game device for data communication therebetween;

the computer is a first computer and the game system further comprises at least one second computer, and the first computer is wirelessly connected with the at least one second computer for data communication therebetween;

the computer is configured to send a command to the sensory feedback device to change a setting of the sensory feedback device; and

the setting is a selection of a selection of a pre-recorded audio file from a database storing a plurality of a pre-recorded audio files.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the drawings and detailed description provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates components of the present game system, including a game device with a container cover, a sensor, and a transmitter.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the headboard of the container cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the upper appendage wrap of the container cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the lower appendage wrap of the container cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 diagrammatically illustrates the game system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the present disclosure describes a game device 10 for converting a container 12 into a game figure (e.g., a sports figure, an animal figure, etc.) to simulate an interactive game. Referring to FIG. 6, the present disclosure further describes a game system 14 including at least one game device 10, at least one sensory feedback device 16, and at least one computer 18.

Referring to FIG. 1, the game device 10 includes a container cover 20, a sensor 22, and a transmitter 24. The container cover 20 is removably attached to the container 12 and has the shape of the game figure (e.g., the sports figure). The sensor 22 is disposed relative to the container cover 20 and is configured to (i) detect interaction of a game object 26 (e.g., a ball) with at least one of the container 12 and the container cover 20 and (ii) generate a signal 28 (see FIG. 6) in response to the detection. The transmitter 24 is configured to receive the signal 28 from the sensor 22 and wirelessly transmit the signal 28 to at least one sensory feedback device 16 (e.g., an audio speaker, a light, a visual display, etc.) to provide sensory feedback to a user.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the container 12 includes a body 30 that defines a cavity 32. The cavity 32 is accessible via an opening 34 in the body 30. The size, shape, and material of the container 12 can vary depending on the particular application. In some embodiments, the container 12 is a trash can, a laundry basket, a cooler, or another known receptacle.

Referring to FIG. 1, the container cover 20 includes one or more components that cover at least a portion of the body 30 of the container 12 (see FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the container cover 20 includes a headboard 36 and one or more wraps 38, 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the container cover 20 includes a headboard 36, an upper appendage wrap 38 representing the game figure's arms, and a lower appendage wrap 40 representing the game figure's legs. The headboard 36 and the wraps 38, 40 can be made of various different materials, including those that are durable for repeated use yet flexible enough to adjust to various containers having different sizes and/or shapes.

The container cover 20 further includes at least one fastener 42, 44 that facilitates the removable attachment of the container cover 20 to the container 12. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the headboard 36 of the container cover 20 includes a fastener (not shown) that is substantially similar to the clip disclosed in the commonly-invented U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,569, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the wraps 38, 40 of the container cover 20 also include respective fasteners 42, 44 in the form of VELCRO strips.

The sensor 22 is connected to a power source (e.g., a battery) and generates an electrical signal 28 in response to a stimulus (e.g., a vibration, a motion, a force, etc.) caused (e.g., directly, indirectly) by the user. In some embodiments, the sensor 22 includes a piezoelectric pad or wire, the shape of which changes upon receipt of the stimulus to thereby activate the sensor 22 and generate the signal that is wirelessly transmitted to the feedback game device 10 via the transmitter 24. Examples of acceptable sensors are disclosed in the commonly-invented U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,569 mentioned above.

In some embodiments, the sensor 22 is configured to detect the presence and/or proximity of a game object 26 (e.g., a ball) relative to the container 12 and/or the container cover 20. In some such embodiments (see FIG. 1), the game object 26 includes an identifier 46, the presence and/or proximity of which the sensor 22 is configured to detect. In some embodiments, the identifier 46 is a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag (e.g., an active RFID tag, a passive RFID tag) or another object that uses electromagnetic fields to permit the sensor 22 to detect the presence and/or proximity thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the game object 26 is a football that includes an identifier 46 the form of a passive RFID tag.

The sensor 22 is mounted on or in the container cover 20. Referring to FIG. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 22 is mounted onto a flange portion 48 of the headboard 36. In some embodiments, the game device 10 includes multiple sensors 22, each configured to provide functions (e.g., different sounds) upon activation.

The transmitter 24 is in communication with the sensor 22 (e.g., via wired connection), and transmits the signal 28 received from the sensor 22 according to a known transmission protocol (e.g., Bluetooth).

Referring to FIG. 1, the sensory feedback device 16 receives the signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitter 24 and converts it into a visual, auditory, or other sensory stimulus for a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensory feedback device 16 is in the form of a speaker connectable via Bluetooth. In other embodiments, the sensory feedback device 16 additionally or alternatively includes one or more lights that are activated upon receipt of the signal from the transmitter 24 of the game device 10. In some embodiments, the sensory feedback device 16 includes one or more auditory and visual feedback components similar to those attached to the headboard in the commonly-invented U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,569.

Referring to FIG. 6, the computer 18 (e.g., a personal computer (PC), a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet, a processor, etc.) is configured to run an application that provides a user interface for data communication with the game device 10. The computer 18 is wirelessly connected to the game device 10 to permit data communication therebetween. In some embodiments in which the game system 14 includes multiple game devices 10, the game devices 10 are in data communication with one another directly or indirectly (e.g., via the at least one computer 18, via one or more network connections, etc.). Similarly, in some embodiments in which the game system 14 includes multiple computers 18, the computers 18 are in data communication with one another directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more network connections).

In the illustrated embodiment, the computer 18 is configured to receive credentials 50 from the game device 10, and to check the credentials 50 to determine whether the game device 10 is authorized to access the computer 18. The computer 18 is configured to receive a status 52 from the game device 10 which indicates whether the game device 10 is currently activated, the last time it was activated, the time it will activate, and/or any other status information. The computer 18 is configured to receive a command 54 from the game device 10, such as a command to actuate an electronic counter of the computer 18. The computer 18 is configured to receive the signal 28 sent by the transmitter 24 of the game device 10. The computer 18 is configured to store any of the credentials 50, statuses 52, signals 28, and/or other data received from the game device 10 in a database 56 (e.g., storage drive, array, cloud, etc.). The computer 18 is configured to send a command 58 to the sensory feedback device 16 to change a setting thereof (e.g., a volume, sound, light color, etc.).

In some embodiments, the sensory feedback device 16 is a component of the computer 18 itself, in which case the sensory feedback device 16 is connected via a wired connection to the computer 18. For example, in some such embodiments, the computer 18 is a smartphone and the sensory feedback device 16 is the speaker of the smartphone.

During use of the game system 14 and the game device 10, a user attempts to perform a successful action with the game object 26, such as shooting or throwing the game object 26 so that it contacts a portion of the container cover 20 (e.g., flange portion 48 of the headboard 36). Each successful action causes a stimulus (e.g., a vibration, a motion, a force, etc.) that triggers the sensor 22 to generate the signal 28. The transmitter 24 wirelessly transmits the signal 28 to the sensory feedback device 16 and/or the computer 18. The sensory feedback device 16 converts the signal 28 into a sensory stimulus (e.g., sound, light) for a user. For example, if the sensory feedback device 16 is in the form of a speaker, the user will hear a pre-recorded sound through the speaker. The computer 18, after receiving and checking the credentials 50 of the game device 10 to confirm authorized access, will receive any statuses 52 and commands 54 from the game device 10, and will communicate to the user regarding the received data via the user interface of the application running on the computer 18. For example, in some embodiments the computer 18 will display the running count corresponding to the number of successful actions the user performed (i.e., will display the score of the game), and will save the count to the database 56. The application will also provide the user with an interface for changing at least one setting of the sensory feedback device 16. For example, in some embodiments the application includes a user interface that allows the user to select from one of several pre-recorded sounds to be played by the sensory feedback device 16 in response to receipt of the signal 28. In such embodiments, the computer 18 sends a command 58 to the sensory feedback device 16 with instructions for switching to the selected pre-recorded sound.

While several embodiments have been disclosed, it will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that aspects of the present invention include many more embodiments. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the true scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some instances, one or more features disclosed in connection with one embodiment can be used alone or in combination with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A game device for converting a container into a game figure to simulate an interactive game, comprising: a container cover removably attached to the container and having the shape of the game figure; a sensor disposed relative to the container cover and configured to (I) detect interaction of a game object with at least one of the container and the container cover and (ii) generate a signal in response to the detection; and a transmitter configured to receive the signal from the sensor and wirelessly transmit the signal to at least one sensory feedback device to provide sensory feedback to a user.
 2. The game device of claim 1, wherein the sensor generates the signal in response to at least one of a motion and a force caused by the user.
 3. The game device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a proximity of the game object relative to the container cover.
 4. The game device of claim 3, wherein the game object includes an identifier, and the sensor is configured to detect a proximity of the identifier relative to the container cover.
 5. The game device of claim 4, wherein the identifier is an RFID tag.
 6. The game device of claim 5, wherein the game object is a ball.
 7. The game device of claim 1, wherein the transmitter transmits the signal received from the sensor according to Bluetooth protocol.
 8. The game device of claim 1, wherein the container cover includes a headboard and at least one wrap.
 9. The game device of claim 8, wherein the at least one wrap includes (i) an upper appendage wrap representing arms of the game figure and (ii) a lower appendage wrap representing legs of the game figure.
 10. A game system, comprising: a game device for converting a container into a game figure to simulate an interactive game, including: a container cover removably attached to the container and having the shape of the game figure; a sensor disposed relative to the container cover and configured to (i) detect interaction of a game object with at least one of the container and the container cover and (ii) generate a signal in response to the detection; a transmitter configured to receive the signal from the sensor and wirelessly transmit the signal; a sensory feedback device configured to receive the signal from the transmitter and convert the signal into a sensory stimulus that provides feedback to a user; a computer in communication with the sensory feedback device and configured to receive the signal from the transmitter; and software executing on the computer for receiving the signal from the transmitter and for sending a command to the sensory feedback device to change a setting thereof.
 11. The game system of claim 10, wherein the sensory feedback device is an audio speaker.
 12. The game system of claim 11, wherein the sensory feedback device is connectable with the game device via Bluetooth.
 13. The game system of claim 10, wherein the computer is a smartphone or tablet wirelessly connected to the game device to permit data communication therebetween; and wherein the computer is configured to run an application that provides a user interface for data communication with the game device.
 14. The game system of claim 10, wherein the sensory feedback device is an audio speaker of the computer.
 15. The game system of claim 10, wherein the game device is a first game device and the game system further comprises at least one second game device; wherein the first game device is wirelessly connected with the at least one second game device for data communication therebetween.
 16. The game system of claim 10, wherein the computer is a first computer and the game system further comprises at least one second computer; wherein the first computer is wirelessly connected with the at least one second computer for data communication therebetween.
 17. The game system of claim 10, wherein the computer is configured to send a command to the sensory feedback device to change a setting of the sensory feedback device.
 18. The game system of claim 17, wherein the setting is a selection of a selection of a pre-recorded audio file from a database storing a plurality of a pre-recorded audio files. 